🌐 Cross-border City Guide
Dubrovnik
Croatia · DBV Airport
Scenic Coastal
Kotor
Montenegro · Bay of Boka
Hire a car from Dubrovnik to Kotor to explore Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor with comfort and confidence. Find the best available rates on cross-border rentals in one place.
~90 km
Via D8 / E65 route
~2h
Drive Time
Karasovići–Debeli Brijeg
Border Permit
Per Day
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Route Overview
Car rental Dubrovnik to Kotor
Key facts before you drive – distances, fees, documents, and the best time to go.
Parking Kotor
€3–5/hour
Outside Sea Gate
Permit
Required at booking
Cannot be added at counter
Insurance
MNE endorsed
CDW valid in Montenegro
One-way drop-off
Tivat / Podgorica
Fee applies
Crossing Difficulty
Easy Crossing
The Dubrovnik → Kotor route crosses the Croatia–Montenegro border at Karasovići–Debeli Brijeg. Croatia performs the exit check at Karasovići and Montenegro the entry check at Debeli Brijeg, so travellers should expect passport control at the international border. The crossing is straightforward outside busy periods, but summer queues can become lengthy.
Document Required
📘 Passport
📋 Insurance certificate needed
👨✈️ Driving Licence
💳 Credit Card
Why go: Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful Bay of Kotor make it a spectacular road trip from Dubrovnik. Stop at Cavtat, Herceg Novi or Perast along the way for coastal views and historic sights.
Demand & Border Queues
ℹ
May-June and Sep-Oct: best mix of price, availability and short border queues. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for July-August.
Vehicle fleet
Car Categories Available
Browse our range of vehicles to find the perfect match for your cross-border adventure.
*The prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and season, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.
Before you cross
What you need to book and cross the border
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Cross-border Authorisation
Declare Montenegro at booking – must appear in the printed agreement, cannot be added at the counter.
Green Card endorsed for Montenegro
Standard Croatian Green Cards don’t automatically cover MNE – confirm it’s explicitly endorsed.
Valid passport for all passengers
Montenegro is outside Schengen – a full passport is required, not just an EU national ID.
Full driving licence (held 12+ months)
EU and UK licences fully valid. Non-Latin script licences need an IDP. Min. age 21.
Credit card in main driver’s name
Required at pickup for the refundable security deposit – debit cards not accepted.
Fuel up before crossing
Required at pickup for the refundable security deposit – debit cards not accepted.
Carry euros in cash
Parking in Kotor, toll booths, and smaller konobas often only accept cash.
⚠️
Critical: Crossing without written authorisation voids CDW cover and may invalidate third-party liability. Vehicles are regularly turned back at Debeli Brijeg without documentation.
Border crossings
What to expect at the checkpoint
Choose your crossing based on your route and expected queues. Border waits can change significantly during summer and peak travel periods.
| Crossing | Hours | Peak wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karasovići–Debeli Brijeg Recommended | 24/7 | 20–45 min | Coastal road, most direct to Kotor & Budva |
💡
Day trip tip: Dubrovnik to Kotor is comfortably doable as a day trip, leaving 4–5 hours in Kotor Old Town.
ONE-WAY OR ROUND TRIP
Dubrovnik to Kotor by Car
Explore Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi and Podgorica with a rental car approved for
international travel. Book today and travel with confidence.
At the checkpoint – step by step
Debeli Brijeg: Croatia exit → Montenegro entry
A quick overview of the process involved at each stage of the border to save you from last-minute surprises.
Croatian exit control
Passports checked for all passengers. Have your rental agreement and Green Card ready – keep all documents in one folder.
Montenegrin entry control
Passports stamped. Officers check the cross-border clause in the rental agreement — vehicles without explicit MNE permission are regularly turned back.
Driving rules in Montenegro
Speed: 50 km/h towns · 80 km/h open road · 100 km/h expressways. Headlights on at all times. First-aid kit, warning triangle and hi-vis vest required – all included in rental.
Return: MNE exit → Croatia re-entry
Standard duty-free allowances apply. Return queues at Debeli Brijeg can reach 30–60 min in July–August.
Karasovići: the inland alternative
🛣️
When to use Karasovići: If Debeli Brijeg queues are severe in peak season, head inland via the E65 to Karasovići (~55 km from Dubrovnik). It typically has 5–15 min waits versus 45+ min on the coast. The tradeoff is a longer drive to Kotor — allow an extra 30 minutes in total journey time.
💡
Timing tip: Cross before 8am or after 9pm in July–August to avoid peak queues. Leaving Dubrovnik by 7:30am means you’re in Kotor Old Town before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
Vehicle Guide
Which car category suits the Dubrovnik–Split drive?
The A1 and D8 are both well-paved modern roads – this is not terrain that requires anything special. The deciding factor is where you plan to park along the way.
- Family Trip
- Solo drive
- Business Travel
- Long Stay
- Coastal Road Trips
- Eco-Travel
Family Trip: Personalised rental options for families planning trip to Croatia with kids and luggage
Van/Minivan
7-9 seats
Ideal for family journeys and seating everyone comfortably
From €42 /day
Automatic SUV
5 seats
Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains
From €22 /day
Full-size cars
2-5 seats
Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults
From €64 /day
Tips for this trip
Solo drive: Ideal for solo adventures below options lean toward smaller, efficient cars
Convertible
2-4 seats
Open top on Croatia’s Adriatic coastline & enjoy scenic views
From €62 /day
Compact Automatic
5 seats
Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads
From €36 /day
Electric Economy Cars
4-5 seats
Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel
From €48 /day
Tips for this trip
Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.
Automatic Sedans
4-5 seats
Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency
From €48 /day
Standard Cars
4-5 seats
Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip
From €32 /day
Tips for this trip
Long Stay: For trips spanning 21 days or more across Croatia, here’s a breakdown of best options.
Monthly rental
Select any vehicle
An affordable option with lower per day prices than daily rentals
From €16 /day
Long Term Car Rental
Varied vehicle options
For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks
From €22 /day
Automatic Car
4-9 seats
Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Coastal Road Trips: Review our breakdown of the best categories for coastal drives in Croatia.
Convertible
2-4 seats
Ideal for enjoying top-down views of the Mediterranean coastline
From €62 /day
One Way Rentals
Select any car
Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility
From €25 /day
Compact SUV
5 seats
Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space
From €35 /day
Tips for this trip
Eco-Travel: Choose from 3 matching low-emission and eco-friendly options suited for sustainable travel.
Electric Car
4-5 seats
Modern eco friendly EVs to enjoy a greener way of driving
From €55 /day
Hybrid
4-5 seats
Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives
From €35 /day
Small Compact
4-5 seats
These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.
Once you Arrive
What to do in Kotor with a rental car
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Kotor Old Town & Fortress
In Kotor
Walk the 1,350 steps to St. John’s Fortress for panoramic views of the entire bay. Park outside the old town walls – the interior is pedestrianised. Arrive before 9am to beat cruise ship crowds.
Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
20 min from Kotor
Drive 20 minutes north along the bay to the most beautiful Baroque village in Montenegro. Take a 5-minute taxi boat to the man-made island church offshore. Note: parking in Perast is very limited – the bay road narrows sharply; park at the entrance to the village.
The Serpentine Road to Lovćen NP
30 min from Kotor
A dramatic mountain road above Kotor with 25 hairpin bends — car essential. Leads to Lovćen National Park and the Njegoš Mausoleum with views stretching to the Adriatic.
Budva & the Riviera
45 min from Kotor
Montenegro’s most popular beach resort — about 35 km south of Kotor along the Adriatic coast. The new expressway from Kotor to Budva has a toll (~€2.50); the old coastal road is free but slower. Best added as an overnight extension.
Tivat & Porto Montenegro
15 min from Kotor
A short drive south of Kotor to Montenegro’s upmarket marina town. Worth a stop for lunch along the waterfront. If dropping off the car one-way, Tivat Airport (TIV) is 15 minutes from Kotor Old Town.
Lake Skadar National Park
~1h from Kotor
The largest lake in the Balkans, shared between Montenegro and Albania — about 1 hour from Kotor. Best visited as part of a longer trip or second day. Take the scenic road via Rijeka Crnojevića for views over the water.
🛣️
Toll roads in Montenegro: The bay road from the border to Kotor is toll-free. The newer expressway from Kotor south to Budva has a small toll (~€2.50). Keep a few euros in coins or small notes handy. No motorway vignette is required in Montenegro.
💡
Parking in Kotor: The main car park is outside the old town’s Sea Gate — around €3–5/hour in season. Arrive before 9am or after 6pm for a space. Avoid parking on the narrow bay road – it backs up badly in summer.
Explore beyond Croatia
Cross Country Car Rental from Dubrovnik
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Top Locations, Airports and Companies
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- Car Rental Airport
- Car Rental Cities
- Car Rental Bus & Train Station
- Car Rental Companies
- Car Rental Port/ACI Marina
| Airport | Code | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Airport Book Early | DBV | €4/day | South Dalmatia |
| Osijek Airport | OSI | €13/day | Northeastern Croatia |
| Pula Airport Popular | PUY | $7/day | Istria |
| Rijeka Airport | RJK | €7/day | Coastal Road Trips |
| Split Airport Most popular | SPU | €5/day | Central Dalmatia |
| Zadar Airport | ZAD | €9/day | National Parks |
| Zagreb Airport Lowest rate | ZAG | €4/day | Nationwide Road Trips |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biograd na Moru | Dalmatia | €40/Day | Nautical hub |
| Čakovec | Northern Croatia | €/17 day | Historic Međimurje center |
| Cavtat Quiet alternative | Dubrovnik Riviera | €27/day | Quiet seaside resort |
| Dubrovnik Plan parking | South Croatia | €26/Day | Access ban in old town |
| Karlovac | Central Croatia | €15/day | River junction city |
| Kastela | Dalmatia | €20/day | Bay coast town |
| Mlini | Dubrovnik Riviera | €38/Day | Peaceful Riviera village |
| Opatija | Kvarner | €27/day | Historic seaside resort |
| Osijek | Slavonia | €15/Day | Cultural center |
| Porec | Istria | €26/Day | Popular seaside resort |
| Pula Cheapest | Istria | €7/day | Roman sites & wine |
| Rabac | Istria | €40/day | Scenic resort town |
| Rijeka | Central Croatia | €12/day | Port city base |
| Rovinj | Istria | €13/day | Romantic coastal town |
| Samobor | Central Croatia | €15/Day | Charming market town |
| Seget Donji | Dalmatia | €35/Day | Quiet coastal village near Trogir |
| Sesvete | Slavonia | €41/Day | Large Zagreb suburb |
| Slano | Southern Croatia | €30/Day | Peaceful coastal bay |
| Split Great value | Dalmatia | €8/Day | Ferry access |
| Srebreno | South Croatia | €30/Day | Coastal bay suburb |
| Trogir | Dalmatia | €26/Day | UNESCO old town island |
| Umag Downtown | Istria | €13/day | Northern coastal gateway |
| Vela Luka | Dalmatia Islands | €25/day | Island port town |
| Zadar Great value | North Dalmatia | €8/Day | Islands nearby |
| Zagreb Best value | Central Croatia | €5/day | Best value |
| Station | City | From | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Bus Station Book early | Dubrovnik | €29/day | Book early for peak season |
| Rijeka Train Station | Rijeka | €40/day | Convenient city center pickup |
| Split Train Station Ferry connection | Split | €32/day | Steps from the ferry port |
| Zagreb Bus Station Lowest rate | Zagreb | €26/day | Great for eastern highway access |
| Zagreb Train Station | Zagreb | €32/day | Walk to downtown hotels |
| Supplier | Type | From | Fleet | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | ⭐ 8 | |||
| AddCar | ||||
| Alamo Top rated | International | €25/day | Economy, SUVs, Minivans, Full-size | ⭐ 9.4 |
| AutoUnion | ||||
| Autowill | ||||
| Avant Car | ||||
| Avia Rent a Car Cheapest | Local | €15/day | Compact, Economy, Standard Sedans | ⭐ 8.8 |
| Carwiz | ||||
| Dollar Thrifty Automotive | ||||
| Enterprise Top rated | International | €24/day | Compact, SUVs, Sedans, Luxury | ⭐ 9.4 |
| Europcar | International | €22/day | Compact, Executive, Vans | ⭐ 7.8 |
| Firefly | ||||
| Goldcar | ||||
| Green Motion | ||||
| Hertz Premium choice | International | €28/day | SUVs, Hybrids, Sedans | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Keddy by Europcar | ||||
| Mack | Local | €18/day | Economy, Compact, Intermediate, SUVs | ⭐ 8.6 |
| National | ||||
| North Car Rental | ||||
| Nova | ||||
| Oryx | ||||
| Prestigio Rent a Car | ||||
| Routes | ||||
| Sixt | International | €26 / day | Luxury Sedans, SUVs, Convertibles | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Street Rent a Car | ||||
| Surprice | ||||
| XL Rent a Car |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI Marina Dubrovnik | South Croatia | €32/day | Marina base |
| ACI Marina Korčula Island favorite | Dalmatia Islands | €32/day | Island hub |
| ACI Marina Slano | South Croatia | €42/day | Quiet bay harbor |
| ACI Marina Split Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Coastal port pickup |
| Split Port Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Ferry access |
Car Rental Croatia
Josip Stjepan – Croatia Travel & Car Rental Specialist
Josip spent a decade coordinating vehicle logistics for Jadrolinija’s ferry network, matching rental cars to sailing schedules for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. The job gave him insider insights into where exactly rental companies quietly pass costs onto tourists. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Croatia’s ferry network, coastal routes, and driving conditions, he helps travellers compare rental options, plan efficient itineraries, understand toll roads, avoid unnecessary fees, and prepare for cross-border travel.
How this content is created:
- Based on real ferry and route data
- Reviewed by a local Split-based specialist
- Updated regularly for seasonal pricing changes